Dissatisfied with the rise in the tariffs of medical services, the Socialists on February 23 protested in front of the Ministry of Health and announced their intention to submit a simple motion to Minister Ruxanda Glavan. In reaction to the protest, the Ministry of Health issued a press release, saying the tariffs of medical services were last modified in 2011 and didn’t cover the costs. The Ministry is ready for a dialogue on the tariffs, but rejects any action of an electoral character on the issue and considers these are incorrect and designed to mislead the public opinion.
In the protest, MP Vlad Batrancea said that instead of finding solutions for the population, the government illegally increased the tariffs of medical service three, four or even five times. The price for calling an ambulance rose to 120 lei, while for intensive care to over 1,000 lei a day.
MP Vladimir Odnostalco, who is a member of the Parliament’s commission on social protection, health and family, has told IPN that the legislative body can adopt a decision by which to freeze prices, not only of medical services, but also of drugs. The government does not look for solutions to increase incomes, but prefers to take money from the poor.
A woman pensioner attending the protest said the doctors prescribe very expensive drugs.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health says the persons with low incomes and those who do not have a job are medically insured by the Government. To benefit from health insurance from the state, these must be registered officially as unemployed or as recipients of social welfare.
The Ministry noted that the tariffs of medical services were last adjusted in 2011. Meanwhile, the public medical institutions were outfitted with modern equipment for making diagnoses and administering treatment. The implementation of new technology, especially in national hospitals where the most serious cases are treated, implies costs. The reactive substances and consumables used in medical examinations and treatment are expensive. As a result, the medical institutions could not provide high-quality services that are very necessary for thousands of sick people, most of whom are insured by the Government.
The Government decision that updates the tariffs took effect on February 10.
